Angus Taylor (Hume, Liberal Party, Leader of the Opposition) | Link to this | Hansard source

Speaker, thank you for this indulgence. News broke this afternoon that Lily Hooper from Oakdale in my electorate was found deceased after an eight-day search in and around the Nattai National Park. Initial reports that she had been found alive proved to be wrong, and that makes the blow even worse. We can only imagine what Lily's family is going through right now. Such news would be a nightmare for any parent, and we grieve for Lily's wider family and friends too. Lily loved bushwalking, and that only compounds the tragedy of her death.

I want to thank all of those who helped search for and locate Lily—hundreds of police, fire and emergency services, ADF personnel and volunteers. Any parent who reads this news will hug their children tighter tonight. When they do, they will spare a thought and a prayer for Lily's mother, father and family who can't do the same. We grieve for their most terrible loss.

Anthony Albanese (Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Prime Minister) | Link to this | Hansard source

I join the Leader of the Opposition, with his heartfelt words about the loss of someone from his local community. Lily Hooper has been taken from her family, her community and our nation far too young. The tragedy of a parent losing a young one—in Lily's case, just 18 years of age—is an unspeakable tragedy. Lily Hooper had so much more to offer the world. Her passing, I have no doubt, will be felt very deeply across the Southern Highlands, among her family and her friends, and indeed right across the nation. Our thoughts are, of course, with her family and loved ones on what is an incredibly sad and difficult day.

I join with the Leader of the Opposition in paying tribute and giving thanks to all those volunteers as well as police and emergency services and others who joined in this search. This will also be a very traumatic day for them, and our thoughts are with them at this time.

Milton Dick (Speaker) | Link to this | Hansard source

As a mark of respect for the tragic loss of Lily Hooper, I ask all to rise in their places.

Honourable members having stood in their places—

I thank the House.